interior design ideas: remodeling

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Cabin Life Feature Article on Award-Winning Cottage

Check out the latest issue of Cabin Life magazine!

Bonin Architects’ award-winning cottage is the cover story of the May 2012 issue. The article titled “Mini Retreat, Maximum Fun” describes how our remodeled cottage reuses as much of the original material as possible, makes the most out of layout and storage, and creates an ultra-fun spot for entertaining guests on beautiful Pleasant Lake in New London, NH.

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

The beach cabin was in good shape for its age, but dark and rough inside. The goal was to maximize space, natural light and lake vistas. “We had very specific things we wanted to do,” says Sheri, a former property manager whose experience with architects, landscapers, and tradesmen came in handy during the project. “That’s the fun of having a cabin – you fix it up and make it your own.”

She found inspiration in books and magazines – Cabin Life included – on cabin design and lakefront living. The Webers brought the stack to architect Jeremy Bonin, AIA, of New London, N.H., who distilled common themes from pages of images. On the wish list: a cathedral ceiling, French doors, lots of glass, and a screened back porch facing the lake.

Lots of open storage was another must. Builder Jay Tucker of Old Hampshire Designs in New London was called in to do the revamping. Old Hampshire sanded floors, opened the ceiling, and created built-in nooks and cubbies. “It’s still all exposed wood inside, like a beach house,” says Tucker. “We upgraded it, painted it, made it a pretty little living space.”

“We tried to use as much of the original materials as possible,” notes Bonin. “We turned casement windows on their sides, reframed and regrouped others.” Bonin also guided the couple through a maze of required permits, as the cabin is just 50 feet from the water.

For more information on this great cottage, see our website at http://www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/83-portfolio/selected-projects/119-le-petite-pointe-cottage.html

Renovating a Home or Cottage: What to Expect

The Spring 2012 issue of Kearsarge Magazine features one of Bonin Architects’ current remodeling projects, complete with before and after photos.

Architect Jeremy Bonin gives pointers on working with an architect during the design process and how their experience can save you time and money. The five ways architects can help with your remodeling project:

Know how to work with old homes: If the original drawings are not available, the architect will document the existing spaces affected by the new design. “This can mean multiple visits to verify dimensions, structure, plumbing, and a myriad of other building components. In older homes, the documentation process may be longer due to walls and floors that are not straight or plumb, or intricate woodwork and moldings to be saved, salvaged or duplicated.”

Realize design is a process: Several considerations will be reviewed and revisited many times during the design process including your family’s current and future needs, energy conservation, budget, and schedule. The architect uses sketches, renderings, and 3D computer models to draw your ideas and bring the vision of your remodeled home to life while keeping in mind traffic patterns, air flow, light, and the aesthetic of the home.

Will plan on contingencies like budgeting for unanticipated problems with your older home like outdated wiring and rotted structural elements that may not be seen until the walls are torn down.

Will help build your team: Your project could take as little as a month or as long as a year. You will be working, sometimes on a daily basis, with your architect and contractor; therefore, you should feel comfortable and trust them as they will working with you for an extended amount of time. Your architect will help you interview and hire a general contractor if you do not have one, checking qualifications, references and compatibility of work to your remodeling project.

Architects understand the steps: In addition to the design process, your architect will guide you through the steps, including permitting and pricing. Preliminary pricing may be obtained during the design or, if the contractor is selected, pricing may be established at milestone points during the design.

A home is our shelter and escape from the busy world around us; it should feel inviting and meet our needs every day. Selecting a good team to work on your remodeling project will reward you at every turn.

Upper Valley Home Improvement Guide

Did you see the article on Bonin Architect's lakefront cottage project makeover in the Upper Valley Home Improvement Guide?

This great cottage has won several design build awards, including a Merit Award and the People's Choice Award from the 2011 AIANH Excellence in Architecture Awards!

The homeowners were involved from conception to completion, reusing every bit of material they could in the cottage renovation.

Missed that issue? Read all about this cottage on our website at http://www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/selected-projects/83-portfolio/selected-projects/119-le-petite-pointe-cottage.html.

Renovation Architecture

We had the opportunity to complete a home renovation design for a 1970’s lake cottage with the intent of using it as a primary residence.

Whole House Renovation

Old-style wood paneling was replaced with attractive wainscoting to lighten the space. Carpeting was ripped up, and the existing wood floors were refinished, and windows and doors were replaced with energy efficient modern units. Beams and T&G decking on the ceiling were kept exposed and refinished.

The architects redesigned the small kitchen from a galley-style to U-shaped to create a spacious workspace and maximize the limited space. A large island placed between the kitchen and the dining area provides working space to the kitchen while providing an informal seating area for breakfast or tea.

Side-by-side sliding doors were replaced with Eagle French doors, and glazing above the doors was changed to half rounds instead of triangular to create a modern look.

A custom wet bar by Vermont Custom Cabinetry is handy for entertaining and providing a nice transition between the dining and living rooms.

NH Architects Interviewed About Cottage Renovation

Country Almanac’s Small Room Decorating, a national magazine designed to help homeowners maximize the living space in their small home or cottage, loved the 400 square foot cottage renovation recently completed by Bonin Architects and Associates in New London, NH.

The cottage renovation project had two primary goals: creating an open, efficient space that looks and feels larger than it really is and reusing as much as the original building material as possible.

The result is an efficient use of space, with a new cathedral ceiling and sleeping loft created when the original ceiling was removed. Apartment-sized appliances maximize space in the kitchen.

Creative storage space was addressed with shelves, cubbies, benches, and hooks.

Bonin Architects wins again!

Bonin Architects was presented with a Bronze award at the Annual Cornerstone Awards sponsored by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of New Hampshire’s (HBRANH) Sales & Marketing Council for our cottage renovation project on Pleasant Lake in New London, NH.

The awards ceremony was held at the Center of NH / Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Over 103 awards in 51 categories were presented. For more information on the awards and a full list of the winners, visit the association’s website or their Facebook page.

Below are a few photos of our winning home design. For a complete description of the project, visit Bonin Architects’ website.

Lakefront Cottage Renovation

Remodeling Vs. Moving

Remodeling your current home may be a better option for you than finding a new home that fits your needs. Yes, there are plenty of homes on the market, but consider these reasons why many are improving your existing home rather than thinking of packing up and relocating (according to the National Home Builders Association):

Remodeling allows you to customize your home to meet your needs and desires. The only similar, but much more costly alternative, is to design a new custom home and have it built to your specifications.
Remodeling means that you don't have to give up a familiar neighborhood and schools.
Remodeling is a more efficient use of your financial resources. According to the American Homeowner Foundation, selling your home and moving typically costs about 8-10% of the value of your current home. And much of this goes into moving expenses, closing costs, and broker commissions - items that have no direct impact on your home's quality.
Remodeling can be stressful, but few experiences are more stressful than moving.

While your home may have fit your living requirements over the years, remodeling it will make your home a more enjoyable place to live while adding resale value. While remodeling may improve the resale value, though, remodeling projects vary greatly as far as investment vs. value. According to the NAHB, “the general rule of thumb is that any remodeling project that brings your home up to the level of your neighbors' is a worthy investment. But it doesn't pay to be the most expensive house on the block - real estate experts recommend that a remodeling investment should not raise the value of your house to more than 10-15% above the median sales price in your neighborhood.”

Remodeling can all you to live comfortably for several more years in your home while you wait for the market to recover fully in your area. Remember, though, that when you do sell, potential buyers will be comparing your home to newer homes. The solution? If possible, says the NAHB, you should look at the current design trends for new homes and incorporate popular features like “great rooms (open kitchen/family room arrangements), master bed and bath suites, and higher ceilings”.

Also, suggests the NAHB, read Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” annual report, which assesses which projects give homeowners the greatest return on investment. You can’t go wrong updating your kitchen and bathrooms, as these are the first things potential buyers consider in buying a new home.

Our tip? Hire an architect for your home renovation project. Read another blog on why it's beneficial at http://timberframeblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/home-renovations-hire-architect.html.

Remodeling Your Home

It really pays off to use an architect to design your home remodel. This design is for one of our clients renovating their home that was damaged by fire.

The fire damaged one wing on the house, so we are replacing it with a new two-story addition. The addition is designed to closely match the existing house while taking advantage of the opportunity to make updates to the floor plan.

The ground floor has an open kitchen and generous pantry, as well as a breakfast nook overlooking a three season porch. A new two-story tower will conveniently house a stairway to the second floor Master Bedroom and a sitting area above the porch below.

Are you planning a home remodel? Here are some topics Bonin Architects will discuss with you:

Spatial changes / additions

Structural improvements and updates for code compliance

System updates (electrical, plumbing, heating)

Insulation and energy savings

Existing site challenges

Permits

We’ll also ask you about any adjustments in living requirements or accessibility issues you may need to accommodate, and discuss at length a list of “green” options you have, including any materials that can be reused or recycled in the project.

Bonin Architects recently won two awards from the American Institute of Architects for a cottage renovation project we completed in New London, NH. We’d love to design your award-winning home!

See why you should use an architect for your remodeling project at http://timberframeblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/home-renovations-hire-architect.html.

Remodeling a House with Fire Damage

One of our projects is for a new two-story addition and remodel to a home damaged by fire last year in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Thankfully the fire was contained and only one wing was lost.

Our architects are working directly with our clients to design the addition to closely match the existing house while taking advantage of the opportunity to make updates to the floor plan.

The ground floor in the new wing has an open kitchen and generous pantry, as well as a breakfast nook overlooking a three season porch. A new two-story tower will conveniently house a stairway to the second floor Master Bedroom and a sitting area above the porch below.

To see other work by our residential architects, visit our online portfolio.

NH Lakefront Cottage Renovation

One of our recently completed projects is the renovation of a lakefront cottage on Pleasant Lake, New London, New Hampshire.

The property was subdivided and had originally had two cabins on it. A cabin on “The Point” was torn down to open up the lake view from the other cottage. Some of its materials were salvaged for use in the main cottage renovation.

The new cottage serves as a three-season entertainment area for family and friends with lakeside access and wonderful seasonal views.

Master Planning of the lot for a future primary residence was also completed, accounting for CSPA lot coverage, setbacks and storm water management.

Photos by Great Island Photography, LLC

Home Addition Remodel

Here's one of our latest projects for an addition and renovation of a 1970's contemporary home in New London, NH.

The addition will house a new garage on the basement level and Master Bedroom suite above.

A spiral stair in the Master Bedroom will access the third floor studio. The renovation includes replacing all of the old glazing with Eagle Windows with Douglas fir frames. Check back for progress!

House renovation: Lead Paint

Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is enforcing new regulations to prevent lead poisoning, and if you are considering a home renovation, this might pertain to you.

By requiring states to administer and enforce Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) programs, the government is taking the lead to remove the dangers of lead in paint, the soil around your home, dust, drinking water, and other places you come in contact with in your daily life. Lead poisoning is nothing to fool around with and can lead to serious health problems in your family and community. For instance:

If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:

Damage to the brain and nervous system

Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity

Slowed growth

Hearing problems

Headaches

Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:

Reproductive problems (in both men and women)

High blood pressure and hypertension

Nerve disorders

Memory and concentration problems

Muscle and joint pain

If you are planning to buy a home built before 1978 and renovate it, read on:

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before buying a pre-1978 housing. Sellers have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to ten days to check for lead hazards.

Make sure you hire a Qualified Lead Professional to remodel your home, and be sure to read the EPA’s pamphlet on Renovating a Home Built Before 1978.

Following the guidelines is in your family’s best interest!

Lake Sunape Area Open House

Our next event will be held at a spectacular custom home near Lake Sunapee, NH. If you are looking for land in the Sunapee / New London area, or already have property and are planning to build a new home, this event is for you!

Open House at a Lake Sunapee Custom Home

~ Talk with the Green Building Experts ~

Green Architect Jeremy Bonin, Bonin Architects

Green Builder Everett Pollard, Northcape Design Build

Lake Sunapee Realtor Dan O'Halloran, Colby Real Estate

Here's your opportunity to get your questions answered about building a new home or addition or remodeling your existing home. Q&A based on audience discussion! Ask about Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act guidelines (CSPA), budgeting and costs, green home design, working with an architect, custom home costs, green building materials, and more!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Registration is required. Directions will be given to registrants only.

To register call Bonin Architects & Associates, New London, NH
603-504-6009

Relaxing atmosphere - Refreshments

Home Remodel and Addition

Work is under way for the remodeling phase for our clients' homes in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

The home remodelling plans include building an addition to add living space (brown sections on drawings indicate remodelled areas / changes). The existing dining area will move to the current living room, and the kitchen will gain the space created by moving the dining.

Kitchen / dining before remodel

Kitchen during remodeling

In addition to the kitchen renovation, the original one-story bump-out on the first floor west elevation will be replaced with a structural insulated panel, two-story addition in order to remodel the first floor bath and double the size of the second floor bathroom located above. Check back for ongoing construction photos!

Kitchen Countertop Options

If you are building a new home, there are countless options for countertops. Countertops are priced by the lineal or square foot, most often with the template, delivery, and installation included in the price. Prices vary significantly, too, depending on the material, texture, complexity of the edge, the number of holes, the type of sink you are using, and how many seams there will be. You will want to consider the countertop's longevity, durability, maintenance, and installed price.

Laminate $15-$45 per square foot: economical, not scratch or heat resistant; not built to last
Ceramic Tile $10-$30 per square foot: economical, scratch and heat resistant, but high maintenance
Butcher Block $30-$65 per square foot: easy to install and repair, durable but maintenance required

Solid Surface $35-$100 per square foot: seams only visible from the underside; stain and heat resistant but may crack or get scorched from hot pans; scratches can be softened (Corian® solid surface colors by DuPont®, right)
Quartz $50-$100 per square foot: good for busy kitchens; stain and heat resistant, low maintenance
Engineered Stone $50-$100 per square foot: extremely durable, resists heat and stains
Marble $50-$140 per square foot: New England slate, from New York, Vermont, and Maine, is durable, non-porous, and requires no sealing; price varies by color
Limestone $60-$100 per square foot: low-traffic kitchen. It withstands heat very well

Natural Stone / Granite $50-$200 per square foot: density, strength, water absorption, and acid resistance (granite countertop, right)
Concrete $80-$120 per square foot: very popular, but porous and absorbs stains easily, must be sealed regularly

House Tear Down

With limited land available, especially lakefront properties, many people are purchasing old camps and cottages to tear the house down and rebuild a new, energy efficient home.

Traditionally, a bulldozer or other large piece of equipment levels the house in a matter of minutes and the debris is taken to a landfill. A green alternative would be to tear the house down in stages, carefully preserving the material and selling it at a demolition auction.

What can be salvaged and reused from a tear down?

Building components such as doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, etc.
Glass
Metals
Brick
Wood
Asphalt
Concrete
Gypsum
Plastics
Landscaping, including trees, stumps, and rocks

On the other hand, you might want to check out a demolition auction to find recycled materials if you are building a new home or remodeling your existing home. These types of auctions are held at the house to be torn down, and bidders are allowed to tour the home prior to the auction. You can get everything from fixtures, appliances, flooring, and walls.

Tip: Be prepared to be required to remove the items yourself.

Home Improvement Remodeling

Are you thinking about remodeling your home? There are many remodeling projects that can increase the resale value of your home: adding space, kitchen and bath remodeling, including upgrading counters, cabinets, fixtures and appliances, adding insulation and replacement windows and doors to increase the energy efficiency of the home, and even completely changing the floor plan of the home.

Home remodeling requires good planning and scheduling. After all, you’ll most likely be living in the home during the remodeling. The NH Home Builders Association gives these tips to help stay on schedule:

Expect to set aside time for telephone calls and regular meetings with your contact person to review progress and discuss the schedule for remaining work.
Ask your remodeler which product orders require the longest lead times. For custom-made items, it is especially important to make your selections as early in the process as possible.
Realize that changes you make to the project after work has begun may affect the schedule and the budget. Change orders should include prices, full descriptions, and authorization in writing before any new work begins.

If your city or town requires an architect to stamp your remodeling plans, consider hiring the architect as the project manager. The architect is your advocate during the design and remodel, saving you money, solving problems that might arise, and most importantly, keeping your goals as the top priority as he or she manages your team of experts during the home’s design and construction.

Read about current remodeling trends